Bridging the Arts Funding Gap: How Nonprofits Can Thrive Beyond NEA Cuts

The arts are vital to the soul of every community—sparking creativity, inspiring expression, and connecting people across backgrounds and generations. Yet for many arts nonprofits in underfunded areas like Georgia, recent news from Washington has delivered a gut punch: the proposed elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) threatens the very core of cultural programming statewide.

Arts Organizations Are Feeling the Pinch

The NEA has long been a lifeline for small and mid-sized arts organizations, especially in rural and underserved communities. With the Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal zeroing out federal support for arts programming, many nonprofits are now scrambling to salvage programs, retain staff, and keep the creative spirit alive.

But while the loss of NEA support is significant, it doesn’t have to be the end of the story.

The Path Forward: Tapping into Private and Corporate Foundation Grants

There is a robust ecosystem of private and corporate foundations that have stepped up to support the arts—especially during times of federal retrenchment. These funders recognize the economic, educational, and emotional value of the arts and are committed to ensuring creativity doesn’t go dark in communities like yours.

Here are three foundations with a strong track record of supporting the arts and arts nonprofits:

1. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation One of the nation’s largest arts funders, Mellon supports initiatives in the performing arts, cultural preservation, and racial justice in the arts. They are particularly interested in projects that increase access and amplify underrepresented voices.
   

2. The Kresge Foundation Kresge’s Arts & Culture Program focuses on creative placemaking—using arts and culture as a tool to strengthen communities. They offer grants to nonprofits that use the arts to foster equity and long-term social change.
   

3. South Arts Based in Atlanta, South Arts is a regional foundation that provides direct support to artists and arts organizations across the South. With funding from both public and private sources, they are a reliable and mission-aligned option for Georgia nonprofits.
   

How Just Write Grants Can Help Arts Nonprofits Thrive

At Just Write Grants, we know the arts. We’re proudly based in Georgia, and for almost a decade, we’ve helped local arts organizations secure millions in private and corporate foundation funding—even in the toughest grantmaking climates.

Whether you're a dance company, a mural project, or a theatre collective, we have a deep understanding of what funders want—and how to communicate your value through compelling, strategic grant narratives.

With federal funding in jeopardy, now is the time to diversify your revenue streams and lean into a more sustainable, resilient funding model. We’re here to bridge the gap left by NEA cuts and help you transition into long-term foundation partnerships that support your mission and vision.

Let’s Keep the Arts Alive—Together

The loss of NEA support is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity—a chance to rethink funding strategies, tell your story more powerfully, and build deeper connections with funders who care about the arts just as much as you do.

Ready to reimagine your grant strategy and grow your arts funding portfolio? Contact Just Write Grants today to schedule a free consultation. With each consultation call, we provide 30 minutes of custom free grant research to help you move forward with confidence that now is the right time to invest in your nonprofit's financial future.

Let’s write the next chapter of your story—one that’s vibrant, bold, and beautifully funded.

BONUS: Facing termination or withdrawal of funds? Access Arts Capital's resource guide to help navigate the process.